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POMPTON LAKES, N.J. -- Anton Testino, a chef who appeared on "Hell's Kitchen" and "Chopped," recently opened a new restaurant on Ringwood Avenue in Pompton Lakes.

Axtons, a rustic Italian restaurant, is the latest venture from Testino.

Testino, who grew up in Pompton Lakes, was born on Aug. 26, 1973 in Weehawken to a chef father and mother Francesca who was from Bari, Italy.

In 1991, Testino attended Morris County Vocational Tech in Denville, NJ for culinary arts. He graduated at the top of his class. He won many amateur competitions.

In 1992, he was accepted to Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. There he furthered his education until 1993 when he dropped out due to lack of finances.

In 1995, Testino opened his first restaurant, Antonio's Pizza, Pasta and More. It was located on Route 5 in Edgewater until 1998.

Testino then worked at several restaurants in Northern New Jersey continuing his hands-on education. In 2009, when he worked at his family's restaurant, Tony's Touch of Italy, he became known throughout the community.